Jets Needed Crazy Goal, Replay Review to Win Wild Game 1 vs. Avalanche

Adam Lowry's shot hit a post three times, barely made it over the red line.

The Winnipeg Jets held off the Colorado Avalanche , 7-6, in Game 1 of their playoff series. /

The Winnipeg Jets outslugged the Colorado Avalanche , 7-6, in Game 1 of their playoff series on Sunday night. Kyle Connor and Adam Lowry each scored twice for Winnipeg, which needed every bit of offense it could muster — and a few extra centimeters to take control of the series.

Lowry's second tally of the night came at 3:31 of the second period and awarded after a replay review determined the puck completely crossed the red line during its pinballing around it. The unusual goal featured no less than a combined three caroms off both posts.

It was initially ruled no goal on the ice but Lowry seemed to immediately understand that he'd scored and was vindicated by video a few minutes later.

Was this a goal in the Jets/Avs game? Wow…couldn’t be ANY closer! #NHLPlayoffs #GoJetsGo #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/0Ki2iQUjUt

— The Ultimate Lineup (@TheUltLineup_) April 22, 2024

“He’s been a great leader for the team on and off the ice. He was a great choice for captain,” Jets head coach Rick Bowness said after the game. “He loves these challenges. He’s going up against one of the best players in the world, not necessarily the league, but the world in [Nathan McKinnon]. So, he loves those challenges and he takes his game to another level.”

Game 2 of the series is on Tuesday night and it faces a high bar if it wants to be anywhere near as entertaining. Both teams scored three goals apiece in the first and third periods in the opener and the result came to down to a careening cup and the slimmest of margins.